Super Street Network

Due to the EU’s Global Data Protection Regulation, our website is currently unavailable to visitors from most European countries. We apologize for this inconvenience and encourage you to visit www.motortrend.com for the latest on new cars, car reviews and news, concept cars and auto show coverage, awards and much more.MOTORTREND.COM

Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Spin Out

All The News Without Fear Or Favor

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe Starts HereWhile the automotive landscape has evolved over time, one simple equation for the ideal vehicle remains: an engine up front, a manual transmission in the middle and power going to the back. And while we're thumbing through the cookbook, throw in some forced induction for good measure. The recipe is simple, but there isn't much on the market to quench the lust for sideways thrills without selling vital organs. That's all going to change in the spring of 2009 and it's coming from an unlikely source: Korea.

As soon as Hyundai unveiled its rear-wheel-drive Genesis sedan, speculation began that a two-door variant was under way. After debuting a Genesis Coupe concept in Los Angeles last year, the writing was on the wall. At the New York Auto Show, Hyundai showed the production version of its newest play for the hearts and minds of enthusiasts.

The car's styling could be divisive, particularly the swooping swage lines, sloping rear windows and headlamps remarkably similar to those on the Lexus LF-A concept. The proportions take some getting used to, but for people wanting an IS coupe, this could be the budget alternative. Beneath the skin, though, is where the Genesis Coupe has the chance to shine.

Under the sinewy exterior is a shortened version of the Genesis sedan platform, measuring 182.3 inches long and 73.4 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 111 inches. A five-link, independent rear suspension keeps things planted out back, while a dual-link MacPherson arrangement keeps cost, weight and packaging in check up front. Eighteen-inchers fill the wheel wells, with 19-inch, five-spoke rollers as an option (wrapped in 245/40R19 Bridgestone Potenza RE050s). Behind the wheels are 12.6-inch front stoppers and 12.4-inch discs in the rear (both with single-piston floating calipers). Tick the box for the Brembo package and the front and rear rotors grow to 13.4 inches and 13 inches respectively, with four-piston fixed calipers gripping the discs on both ends.

There are two powertrain options: a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 or a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four. The six is also found in the Genesis sedan, producing 310bhp at 6000rpm and 263lb-ft of peak torque from 4700rpm. The block and heads are all aluminum, while induction and exhaust duties are orchestrated by continuously variable valve timing. In manual or automatic versions, there will be six cogs to slice through, with the latter allowing gear selection through Hyundai's Shiftronic manu-matic system. The sprint to 60mph is projected to take less than six seconds.

While the V6 is an easy sell for the hairstylist set, the turbocharged, 2.0-liter four has the most potential. With a small turbo huffing through an air-to-air intercooler and into an aluminum block with a 9.3:1 compression ratio, this engine gathers 223bhp at 6000rpm and 217lb-ft of torque at 2500rpm, going through either a five-speed auto 'box or a six-speed manual. Pony up a few extra dollars and a torsen limited-slip differential will keep the car from doing peg-leg burnouts in front of the local burger joint. As with the six, the heads are also aluminum and variable timing keeps the valves singing on both the intake and exhaust side.

Our main concern, outside of the styling, is the Genesis Coupe's rather portly 3439 pounds (when equipped with the blown 2.0-liter). As tweakable as Hyundai's new turbocharged four might be, the weight issue could prove problematic. While we could do without dual butt-warmers and the Infinity audio system, the standard ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and ESC are welcome fare as long as they're executed properly.

We'll reserve judgment until we execute our exhaustive tests. But for the time being, it seems Hyundai has heard the pleas of enthusiasts and responded.

Rumors&Lies* Infiniti dealers in the US were livid when word came down from HQ that the new GT-R would be sporting a Nissan badge in the States. However, rumors are beginning to swirl that, in the next few years, Infiniti might get some form of the GT-R in the shape of a sedan. The GT-R's platform would have to be stretched to accommodate the extra seating, but the rear-mounted transmission and suspension components could still make the migration. While there's no confirmation that such a model is bound for production (mainly because Infiniti has to work on the new Q45 before it can expand its model range), Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has confirmed that it's been kicked around the boardroom. It could be a vital play if Infiniti decides to go after Mercedes' AMG and BMW's M customers.

* After unveiling the 1 Series tii Concept in Tokyo last November, BMW might be resurrecting the historic badge within its performance parts line. The equipment that debuted on that car forms the basis for BMW's Performance Accessories, but the next 3 Series might benefit from some tii badging, allowing a version to slot in below the M3. Additionally, the revised 335i, due toward the end of the decade, will likely be upgraded with the 135i's electronic differential and DSC system. Hopefully, some serious weight-saving measures are also being planned.

* Adam Carolla, of The Man Show fame, may have made the cut to be one of the co-hosts for America's own Top Gear series. Several names have been floating around since negotiations for the new show began earlier this year, including late-night talk-show host and profound pistonhead, Jay Leno, as well as Jerry Seinfeld. Car reviews are expected be above average, while jokes should be sub-par.

* A production version of Honda's CR-Z concept is slated to arrive in the UK some time in late 2009 or early 2010, sporting a hybrid drivetrain pulled from a new hybrid-specific model. Honda is hoping to sell 500,000 hybrids a year by 2011. If it hopes to reach that goal, US sales are almost guaranteed.

* Lotus has released a new version of its 2-Eleven track tool that ditches the supercharged Exige S motor in favor of the naturally aspirated engine found in the current Elise. The 189bhp, Toyota-sourced 2ZZ joins a new aero package with an adjustable carbon fiber spoiler, a front splitter and Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers. The new model hopes to attract more price-conscious consumers to the brand when it goes on sale in Europe later this year.

Hyundai and Cosworth have teamed up to create a racy concept based on the Genesis Coupe. This Cosworth Genesis Racing Series (CGRS) concept is an absolute beast with almost 400 horses under the hood. - Super Street Magazine

Click to read about Rhys Millen getting sideways in the new Genesis battlewagon. Rhys will be piloting a Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) built drift-spec race version of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe in the 2012 Formula Drift series. - Super Street Magazine

Click to check out our First Drive of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, After a couple of years of being on the market, Hyundai has brought out a car that shares many similarities with its predecessor. - Modified Magazine

Recently I received an invite from the ever hospitable and friendly folks over at Hyundai North America; to release the updated Genesis Coupe for selected media to test drive and review. Click to check out the new and improved 2013 Hyundai Genesis. - Modified Magazine